What video doorbells see (and what they don't): Here's what you can expect

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. What video doorbells see (and what they don't): Here's what you can expect Don't assume these gadgets will capture everything that happens on your porch. Understand these critical specs and you'll avoid a disappointing purchase. With a camera at the front door and an app on their phone, they jump to the conclusion that they'll capture faces on the sidewalk, license plates at the curb, and anybody cutting across the lawn. Most doorbell cameras deliver far more modest real-world performances. They have a tight field of view that sees what's directly in front of their lens; they're built to frame a visitor's face standing in front of the door, not the entire space the door.